Colo. Democrats pass most gun-control bills but drop two after rape outcry

Colorado Democrats rammed most of their gun-control package through the state Senate late Friday, but yanked two bills after a furious backlash over the concerns of rape victims.

Senate Democrats gave initial approval to five bills, including legislation to extend background checks to private sales, limit ammunition magazine and shotgun capacity, and compel domestic-violence offenders to relinquish their guns.

But with the clock nearing midnight and a blizzard looming, Democrats agreed to drop two of the more controversial measures: a bill to create legal liability for gun manufacturers and sellers, and another to ban concealed-carry on state college campuses.

The liability bill was seen as an overreach, given that it conflicts with a 2005 federal law, while the concealed-carry bill became politically explosive after a Democratic legislator dismissed the concerns of rape victims who testified against it in committee.